Do You Have MANopause? The “Other” Menopause No One Talks About
If you’re a guy who’s in good general health, but is suffering from symptoms eerily like those of menopause, you’re not alone and there’s help.
After the age of 40, testosterone levels in men begin to decline nearly 1% a year. Andropause, colloquially referred to as “MANopause,” is the lesser-known, male counterpart to menopause. Andropause isn’t widely discussed and oftentimes gets upstaged by menopause because the cause of symptoms can be unclear. It is worthwhile to note, however, that andropause-like symptoms may be linked to medications or lifestyle choices, and not directly correlated to low testosterone production. Hence, the challenge of declaring a clinical diagnosis is a frustrating one. While most men will not be adversely affected with debilitating symptoms, some will experience symptoms similar to those many women face during menopause. Some of the most common symptoms of andropause include:
- Mood swings/irritability
- Lack of motivation
- Loss of muscle mass
- Fat redistribution and the ensuing of the “beer belly”
- Erectile dysfunction (issues obtaining/maintaining erections)
- Manifestation of gynecomastia (“man boobs”) and breast tenderness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Inability to focus/brain fog
- Memory loss
ADAM (Androgen Deficiency in Men), unlike its female counterpart, menopause, is slower in its progression and more difficult to diagnose. While menopause can last for a few years, andropause can span over a period of many, many years, contributing to the on-going challenge of diagnosis. As low levels can certainly be substantiated through lab tests and a full physical analysis, many men may still not experience the classic symptoms.
Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for Andropause
Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived hormones that mimic the molecular structure of those hormones produced naturally by the body, ensuring safety and long-term efficacy. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the most commonly matched bioidentical hormones used in HRT. Just as with treating disruptive, female menopausal symptoms, bioidentical hormones can successfully treat andropause symptoms with a bevy of body benefits, including:
- Improved physical/athletic performance
- Better, more satisfying erections
- Increased sex drive
- Mood boost
- Improvement in bone mineral density, muscle mass, body composition, and strength
- Enhanced cognitive function
Dr. Seterah, medical director and founder of truMD, situated in the beautiful, sun-soaked seascape of Newport Beach, California, uses bioidentical hormones to successfully manage those lesser-talked-about symptoms of “MANopause,” offering men an overall upgrade to their quality of life - from the boardroom to the bedroom. An integrative, holistic approach is conducted through an exclusive 360-degree Assessment that determines a completely customized treatment plan specific to each patient. Once results from these series of comprehensive lab tests are made available, a blueprint plan is devised, ensuring the utmost efficacy, accuracy, and safety. Because bioidentical hormones are thoughtfully engineered to resemble the same molecular structure of naturally produced hormones, results are more efficacious and safer than customary, synthetic hormones derived from animal sources, particularly the urine of a pregnant mare.
IS BHRT for “MANopause” Right for You?
If you’re a male over the age of forty and in general good health, but have been experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, you may be a good candidate for BHRT. We invite you to contact our office to speak with any one of our highly-skilled hormone specialists and to set up a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Setarah.